And although Gus Poyet’s side might be fighting it out at the wrong end of the table, Defoe has said the new players are aware of how tough it is to leave Sunderland with all three points.

‘A lot of the lads who haven’t played there before might not know what to expect but we’ve been speaking about it and told them it’s a tough place to go.

‘Look at teams like Man City who have already lost there. They pushed Chelsea close in midweek as well.

‘Every game is difficult and they will be fighting to get a result. They’ve got a good manager who we know well, of course.’

Lewis Holtby has said that summer signing Erik Lamela is working hard to fit in at Spurs. Lamela has had a slow start to life at the club as he has tried to adjust to life at his new side, but Holtby says the Argentine is making a real effort.

Holtby is quoted in the Evening Standard, saying: ‘Even though he does not speak English, he tries to speak the language and he is making a lot of effort. If we are doing something away from the pitch he tries to be there.

‘It is difficult coming from a different country to England but we are trying to make it as easy as possible. I am sure he is going to adapt soon.’

Ian Bolland

A journalism graduate of Liverpool John Moores University. During his time at university, Ian spent time on work experience at local newspapers in Liverpool, Bolton and Wigan, and prior to that he did work for The Observer's 'fans verdict'. Ian also has interests in news, current affairs and business but mostly sport, including football, rugby league, cricket, golf and Formula 1, amongst others.